Tuesday, 27 March 2007

Shootout: Mercedes-Benz E200K vs E200K!

By Dr Long

At one glance, nothing seemed to have drastically changed with the New Generation E200K. After all the basic body structure and metal sheets are retained. The Germans are also well known to preserve the ‘integrity’ of their pre-FL models in order to maintain their resale desirability and hence residual value.

However, it is realized soon enough that the trademark Mercedes grille is more pronounced, bolder and has a sharper profile. Though more imposing with a larger meshed surface, this is one redesign exercise which can split opinions. So is the fussier contoured front bumper with a sharp beak in tandem. Chromed rubbing strips are more flushed with the redesigned bumpers – especially noted as one uninterrupted horizontal piece at the rear. Rear number plate chrome garnish and redesigned tail lamps are subtle but still telling of an update. Conversely, the third brake light is composed of (lesser in numbers?) LEDs in punctuated sequence now.

Headlights are more distinctive now with triple louvres in the signal repeater section. Visually more refreshing with an added ‘alertness’ to its big eyes. At night, this upper section gets lighted up as well, thanks to the internal refraction afforded by those louvres. Previously the main beam headlight looks a little droopy at night.

Interiorly, the driving wheel has been nicked from the CLS-Class with better (more tactile) on-steering multifunction buttons. Floor mats are now fine velour type, in–cabin colour schemes of a more distinct two-tone while the key-fob is of the premium Designo-type as standard. The gear lever/knob is more sporty and youthful in appearance now.

Engine:

While the M271 4-cylinder 1.8L engine is carried over, it is now an all-aluminium block with improved supercharging and a remapped ECU. Power output is boosted to 184hp @ 5,500rpm (163hp @ 6,000rpm previously) and torque is now a useable extra 10Nm to 250Nm @ 3,000 – 4,000rpm.With the tester having done in excess of 5000kms on the odometer, the engine was pleasantly smoother and slightly more willing than the ‘older’ pre-FL motor. While the extra horses could be felt on the motorway, it is the lesser Kompressor “lag” that impressed me. This uprated powerplant pulls convincingly from around 2,000rpm onwards versus circa 2,500rpm before.

Throttle response is also marginally better, ensuring its associated powerband kicking in sooner, making this facelift model more tractable at low speed.On the outside, the Kompressor scrolling ‘noise’ at idle is lesser now (perhaps it was still new?) but a definite change is the lower frequency (bassy) exhaust note plus its stronger waste gas blow, both also at idling.

Gearbox:

No differences noted since the same 5 A/T ‘box is retained.

Performance:

0-100km/h: 9.3secs (as tested, average)Top speed: 225km/h (claimed)

Steering:

The recalibrated rack feels lighter at parking speed. Maybe it was due to skimpy OE Goodyear 16” tyres. It has sharper turn-in into corners but didn't feel exceedingly quicker, even though lock-to-lock turns are lesser now. Feedback more or less the same as before but I am pretty sure things would improve considerably with upsized imported rubbers.

Brakes:

SBC has been tossed out in favour of a less advanced but allegedly more reliable Adaptive Brakes. Pedal has a relatively loose feel to things now but modulation is still good. Effective as well as reassuring stopping power. No more SBC pump groaning away in the engine bay.

Road-holding/Handling:

Fluid handling into bends with sharper steering response. Tracks cornering line more faithfully now, with lesser tendency to understeer – nice! Car feels similarly planted as before at highway speed as its ‘predecessor’. Lane change was a little wobbly –a wee bit like on stilts - at the wheels, likely those puny and noisy NCT5s at fault.

Ride:

Just as comfortable with smooth wafting over poor road surfaces. Even at slow speed, ride quality remains calm and composed. This is undeniably an MB’s forte through the generations.However, ride height is lower now with notably lesser wheel arch clearance at the rear. I reckoned this is E-Class Avantgarde (non-Airmatic) suspension having trickled down to the facelift Elegance model now. Strongly hinted by the fact that the suspension (especially at front) has that strange clunking sound over road humps, especially during those marginally quicker glides.

Fuel consumption:

Based on the trip computer data, the FL version seemed significantly thirstier, albeit the better torque spread for a hilly B-road drive makes it justifiable. It recorded an FC figure of 14.5L/100km vs 10.5L/100km. But then again, maybe the winding road test drive was more spirited and all. On the highways though, fuel consumption remains unchanged averaging 9.5L/100km, similar as the pre-FL model.

Instruments and control:

The stalked wing mirrors has a wider field of vision now, though aesthetically much like an after-thought, being mounted on the ‘old’ door/window frame. Still lacks that seemingly premium (at least in Teutonic list of standard equipments) feature of foldable wing mirrors – so baffling! Auto-dimming function still missing from the left rear-view mirror.

Rotary headlamps switch now placed in a contrasting black patch, instead of following dashboard tone.

Equipment:

No extras compared to the previous model. In fact, it has lost fully auto-electric-with-memory seat for the front passenger. Absence of HIDs headlights is equally disappointing for a car asking for RM350K, especially when an entry level junior exec from BMW camp has bi-Xenons! What’s the story here DCM?

Also, where is that anterior-most piece of engine cover (the engine now looks like the previous C180K Classic's) ?

Definitely better value now with an improved engine, retuned suspension, sharper rack.Kit count could be better.Still pricey for a mid-sized executive saloon but solid 3-pointed star image of prestige and luxury unshakeable.

Key changes of the E200K Facelift:

Interior updates:

Comparison of changes:

In conclusion, the E200K FL is definitely a worthy consideration for those looking for a capable all-rounder of a luxury executive saloon. It will carry the 3-pointed star torch well lit – seeing that it has a claimed 2,000 parts improved or changed – up until its full model replacement (W212) in 2009.